Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with a lot of responsibility. Knowing the laws where you carry is just one important task you must undertake as an armed American. To help with that, we’ve provided a comprehensive overview of Nevada gun laws. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Silver State below.
Can You Carry a Gun in Nevada?
Open carry is legal in Nevada without a permit. Anyone 18 and older who can legally possess a firearm may openly carry nearly anywhere in the state.
Concealed carry is legal for residents with a Nevada Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP) and for non-residents with a license/permit from a state Nevada honors.
Nevada Concealed Carry Permit
The minimum age for a Nevada CFP is 21 (or 18 for members of the military). Applicants must complete an approved course in firearms safety and demonstrate competence with a handgun. Both residents and non-residents can obtain permits. Nevada recognizes permits from states that meet specific criteria and maintains the list on its website.
At this time Nevada honors a total of 29 states’ CCW permits, and 32 states recognize Nevada Firearm Permits but this is subject to change.
Stand Your Ground
Nevada is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” law. In Nevada, the use of force for self-defense must meet certain criteria. The force used must be immediately necessary, must be in good faith and must be a reasonable response to the aggressor’s actions. A person is not required to try to retreat before using deadly force if the following three conditions are true: the person did not start the fight; had the right to be at the location where deadly force is used; and was not otherwise breaking the law at the time deadly force is used.
Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements
A permit is not required when buying a handgun. Firearms do not need to be registered in Nevada. As of Jan. 2, 2020, with few exceptions, sales are required to be conducted through a licensed federal firearms dealer with a background check. The minimum age to possess and transport a firearm is 18 years old. There is also no mandatory waiting period for handgun purchases. There are no magazine-capacity restrictions for handguns. The manufacture or sale of metal-penetrating bullets is prohibited.
Less-Lethal Legal Self-Defense Weapons
Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit. Only adults may purchase pepper spray. Sellers must record and maintain purchase records for two years.
Where Can One Carry Concealed in Nevada?
Understanding where you can and cannot carry a firearm is crucial for staying compliant with Nevada’s gun laws. The state has specific locations where carrying a concealed handgun is allowed and places where it is strictly prohibited, even for permit holders. Familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure you are always carrying legally and responsibly.
Areas where permit holders can carry concealed are:
- Restaurants that serve alcohol (unless posted and provided you are not under the influence)
- State/national parks
- State/national forests
- Wildlife Management Areas
- Places of worship (unless posted)
Locations where concealed carry is prohibited, even for permit holders, include:
- Public and private K-12 schools (including parking lots)
- Child care facilities
- Facilities belonging to the University of Nevada, the Community College System or any other vocational/technical school (including parking lots)
- Public buildings with metal detectors or signs prohibiting firearms at each public entrance (unless the individual has a permit and is employed there)
- Secured areas of airports
- Law enforcement agency facilities
- Prisons, jails and detention facilities
- Courthouses and courtrooms
- State legislative buildings or any other places where the Legislature conducts its business
- Hoover Dam
- Red Rock National Conservation area
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law
Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car in Nevada?
Anyone with a Nevada CFP or a license/permit from a state Nevada honors can carry concealed in a vehicle. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm unless asked. Without a permit, a handgun may not be concealed on your person. Carry is also allowed at roadside rest areas with a Nevada CFP or a license/permit from a state Nevada honors.
Can You Carry a Concealed Weapon in a Casino in Nevada?
Yes, but only with a Nevada CFP or a license/permit from a state Nevada honors, provided the property is not posted. Casinos are not identified in Nevada statutes as off-limits for concealed carry. However, most casinos will have “No Weapons Allowed” signs posted. They will likely ask you to disarm or leave the property if you are discovered. Failure to do so would be trespassing.
Ready to Learn More About Nevada Gun Laws?
It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map has been designed to help inform and educate armed citizens like you. To learn more about Nevada’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the Nevada gun laws page now…
The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and, as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
